How neuroscience and artificial intelligence challenge ideas of what makes humankind special

By Tom Siegfried, 10:44 AM July 12, 2012

DUBLIN — Time and again in recent centuries, science has challenged humankind’s conception of itself. Copernicus demoted humans from their central location in the cosmos. Darwin denied their inherent distinction from other animals. Computers now trounce human intellect, defeating the smartest people at chess and on Jeopardy! And lately modern neuroscience has pretty much demolished traditional views of souls and selfhood.

“The neuroscience revolution and the genomics revolution are changin...